tartaric acid

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. an organic compound, C 4 H 6 O 6 , existing in four isomeric forms, the common or dextrorotatory isomer being a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder or transparent crystals: used in effervescent beverages, baking powders, confections, photography, and tanning.

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tartaric acid British  

noun

1. Systematic name: 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid.  a colourless or white odourless crystalline water-soluble dicarboxylic acid existing in four stereoisomeric forms, the commonest being the dextrorotatory ( d- ) compound which is found in many fruits: used as a food additive ( E334 ) in soft drinks, confectionery, and baking powders and in tanning and photography. Formula: HOOCCH(OH)CH(OH)COOH

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tartaric acid Scientific  

/ tär-tăr′ĭk /

1. A crystalline organic acid that exists in three isomeric forms and occurs widely in plants. It is found in byproducts of wine fermentation and has a wide variety of uses, including to make cream of tartar and baking powder, to add effervescence to beverages, to polish metal, in printing and dyeing, and to make photographic chemicals. Chemical formula: C ₄ H ₆ O ₆ .

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Etymology

Origin of tartaric acid

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

If eaten, the tartaric acid in grapes or raisins may cause acute kidney disease.

From Salon

A transparency tab lists ingredients — organic grapes, sulfites, cream of tartar, tartaric acid, yeast, yeast nutrients and organic cane sugar for sparkling wine.

From Washington Post

Chemically speaking, this powder is potassium bitartrate, a salt of mild tartaric acid, with a whole range of useful kitchen applications, from stabilizing beaten egg whites to keeping caramels smooth and chewy.

From Salon

Industrial winemakers today can simply take care of any potential problems in the cellar, adding products like Mega Purple, powdered tannin or tartaric acid to solve issues of color, structure or acidity.

From New York Times

Contrast that to a winemaker who, in any given vintage, might need to add tartaric acid to balance a wine.

From Washington Post